In what has been a turbulent season for Birmingham City so far - which saw a change in ownership and a change in manager - one constant has been Birmingham City's academy. 

The productive academy system has seen a number of extremely talented players come through the ranks including England Under 21 international Demarai Gray.

In Birmingham City's current squad, Koby Arthur and Josh Dacres-Cogley have both come through Birmingham City's illustrious academy and broken into the first team.

The next generation of Birmingham City's youth talent will be hoping they can follow Arthur and Dacres-Cogley's footsteps and break into the first team set-up.

Gianfranco Zola may look to blood one or two of these emerging stars on a regular basis in preparation for next season.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at two emerging young stars Birmingham City fans need to seriously start getting excited about...

Dan Cleary

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland centre-half joined Birmingham City on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool in the summer.

After suffering from a number of injuries, Cleary's progression through Liverpool's academy system stagnated as he struggled to stay fit.

When fit, Cleary was extremely highly rated at Liverpool and his performances in the Premier League Cup earned a number of plaudits.

Having joined Birmingham City, Cleary has now got an opportunity to get back to full fitness and have a consistent run of games for Birmingham's development squad.

If Cleary could replicate his form that he had at times for Liverpool, he might emerge as a young star for Birmingham.

Corey O'Keeffe

Corey O'Keeffe escalated through Birmingham City's youth system as an ever-present member of Birmingham City's development squad.

The versatility of O'Keeffe (who is capable of playing at right back, in central midfield or as a winger) have meant that he is a useful asset at hand for either Richard Beale at development level or even for Gianfranco Zola at senior level.

The consistent performances made by the Irish midfielder have led to him joining up with the senior squad and training with them on a number of occasions.

The 18-year-old midfielder has already made his senior debut for Birmingham City as a second-half substitute in the defeat against Newcastle United.

As O'Keeffe continues to be involved in the first team set-up, the Irishman will continue to emerge as a young star for Birmingham City as one of their brightest prospects.

Birmingham fans - are you excited about these two? What can Cleary and O'Keeffe offer in the near future? Let us know in the comments below...